First outdoor Mass at St. Casimir’s

St. Casimir Church Los Angeles held an outdoor Mass last July 19, the vigil for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary time. It was bilingual in Lithuanian and English, attended by more than sixty parishioners of different nationalities, a display of unity among the peoples of God. 

Among those who attended Mass on the following Sunday, was Lithuania’s Hollywood icon Ruta Lee who is in mourning with the passing of Webster Lowe, Jr., her beloved husband. In behalf of the parish, Fr. Tomas expressed words of comfort and presented her a bouquet of white tulips.

Places of worships in Los Angeles were again closed due to increasing cases of COVID 19. The celebration of Masses has been moved to outdoors and for St. Casimir’s, set up was made at the parking lot. To comply with health protocols, the outdoor area was configured to permit social distancing.  Chairs were set up at six feet apart, while benches were provided for families to sit together. Church goers wearing masks have to undergo screening at the entrance, where temperatures are checked and individuals are asked if they have any symptoms. Attendees have to fall in line prior to being seated and communion is distributed on extended arm, following a one way aisle direction. After Mass, everyone is asked to keep moving back to their cars while observing physical distancing with red tapes on the pavement. The outdoor Mass will be held every Saturday at 6:00 PM. Registration is required by calling the parish office or send an email through the website: stcasimirchurchla.org.

The vulnerable, especially the elderly with underlying health conditions are asked to stay home. For those who cannot come to church, you can attend Mass on the internet via Dievo Gailestingumo Šventovė on You Tube direct from Vilnius.

“Attending an outdoor Mass is a unique experience, where you can feel the presence of God through the wind”, remarked one parishioner, while another felt safe with protocols being seriously implemented by the ushers, as well as the distancing of seats. With the surrounding trees, it was a reminder of the village back home.

Lithuanians have overcome many plagues that hit their homeland between the 14th and 17th century. The Great Northern War plague had nearly 190,000 mortalities. Priests were killed while tending to the sick and suffering. Corpses were left on the streets with no one to bury them. It was one of the darkest moments of the country’s history. And yet, those who survived remained faithful and hopeful. Holy Masses and processions were organized. The city residents prayed for salvation through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, Dievo Motinos Aušros vartai.

During these times of uncertainty and anxiety, we invite families to gather in prayers and read the gospels. Pray the rosary in your homes and light votive candles. Do not be afraid to display acts of faith, imploring God’s mercy and forgiveness.